Ocugen Expands Retina Scientific Advisory Board and Executive Team for Gene Therapy Development
Ocugen has announced key updates to both its Retina Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Executive Leadership Team as the company advances its gene therapy programs toward regulatory milestones. These appointments are strategically aligned with Ocugen’s objective to submit three Biologics License Applications (BLAs) within the next three years, reflecting its strong push toward commercialization in retinal therapeutics.
New Appointments Announced for Retina Scientific Advisory Board and Executive Team
Three renowned retina specialists have joined Ocugen’s Retina SAB: Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, Peter K. Kaiser, MD, and Arshad N. Khanani, MA, MA, FASRS. They will work alongside SAB chair Lejla Vajzovic, MD, FASRS, and current members David S. Boyer, MD, and Carl D. Regillo, MD, FACS to provide expert guidance as Ocugen advances its modifier gene therapy platform.
Dr. Heier, a leading figure in U.S. retina research, is director of the vitreoretinal service and retina research at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston. His work spans therapeutic innovation in macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, venous occlusive disease, and retinal surgery.
Dr. Kaiser, an internationally recognized retinal researcher, is the Chaney Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology Research at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve, and director of the Center for Ocular Research and Evaluation. He has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications, 30 book chapters, and seven textbooks.
Dr. Khanani is the managing partner and director of clinical research at Sierra Eye Associates, and a clinical professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Named among the Top 10 researchers globally in The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025, he also founded the Clinical Trials at the Summit meeting and was honored with the Macular Society’s Lawrence J. Singerman Medal (2025) and the ASRS Presidential Award.
Executive Leadership Team Expanded with Focus on Regulatory and Commercial Strategy
Ocugen has also appointed Vijay Tammara, PhD, to the newly created position of Chief Development Officer (CDO). Dr. Tammara brings over 32 years of global regulatory experience across biotechnology, biosimilars, and complex drug development. His track record includes contributions to nine marketing authorizations, multiple BLAs and NDAs, and over 60 investigational NDAs—most cleared in the first review cycle without clinical holds. He has held senior roles at the FDA, Sanofi, Pfizer/Wyeth, and Merck, and has led global regulatory strategy and operations across the U.S., EU, Latin America, and Asia.
Additionally, Abhi Gupta, MBA, has been named Executive Vice President of Commercial and Business Development, following the retirement of Mike Shine. Gupta brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial strategy and gene therapy. His prior roles include senior leadership at Pfizer, where he helped drive a $5.5 billion gene therapy portfolio, and commercial planning for rAAV-based therapies. He has also served as SVP and head of cell and gene therapy at Syneos Health, with leadership experience at Regeneron and Johnson & Johnson.
